English and British Culture Programme - Spring 2025

The Spring English and British Culture Programme (EBCP) is a four-week Study Abroad experience for Japanese undergraduate students. It combines English language tuition with an introduction to British life and culture, both in and out of the classroom.

EBCP is offered exclusively for students of a small number of University of Leicester Japanese partners.

Aims

The main aim of the course is to develop students’ ability to communicate in English in everyday situations. The course focuses on all four language skills with particular emphasis on enhancing speaking and listening skills. We will encourage you to participate in a series of social and cultural activities, both to practice language skills and to learn about life in the UK.

Why join the English and British Culture Programme?

• Improve your English ability in an academic and friendly environment
• Enjoy a short-term Study Abroad experience at a British university
• Learn about British culture, both in the classroom and through activities, including topics such as history, film, sports and food. A course highlight is a visit to a local primary school
• Gain confidence and make new friends
• Have fun on trips and during social activities and discover more about life in Britain
• Experience living in a vibrant, diverse and student friendly city situated in the heart of England
• Get to know University of Leicester students through our buddy scheme
• Consider joining our optional trips to Edinburgh and Wembley Stadium

Course contents

• A course welcome and induction programme
• Up to 15 hours of classes per week, with particular emphasis on speaking and listening skills. The maximum group size of 16, allowing you to learn through interaction with the tutor and students. Groups will be streamed by ability so you will be studying with students at the same language level as you. Classes generally take place between 9.30am-11.00am, 11.30am-1.00pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm. We expect classes to take place on our Oadby campus
• A visit to a local primary school to give a presentation on Japanese culture
• A basic research project leading to an assessed presentation
• A weekend trip to London including two nights’ accommodation in a 3* hotel in central London. The trip incorporates a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter
• Day trips to places of interest such as Oxford, Cambridge and Warwick Castle/Stratford-upon-Avon
• Four evening social activities such as welcome meal, skittles evening, theatre visit and farewell party
• Optional trips to Edinburgh and Wembley Stadium (additional costs apply)
• A statement of completion and written feedback
• A closing ceremony with prize giving

Key facts

Dates

• Course dates: Monday 3 February to Friday 28 February 2025 (accommodation available from Saturday 1 February to Saturday 1 March 2025)
• Acceptance and payment deadline: Wednesday 20 November 2024
• Registration deadline: Tuesday 31 December 2024

Entry requirements

• Participants are expected to have a minimum English level of IELTS 3.5 or equivalent
• We will accept a range of test results, including:
  • CASEC
  • EIKEN
  • GTEC
  • TOEFL
  • TOEIC
• Participants must be aged 18 or over

Expectations on the course

• Show willingness to engage with tutors and students during class
• Attend all sessions on the timetable, including trips and social events
• Be open and kind to other students.

Accommodation

• Students will be housed in self-catered student accommodation. We are expecting students to be based on the university’s Oadby campus.
• Participants will be housed in a single study bedroom with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. All bills and Wi-Fi access are included. Bedding and kitchen equipment are provided.

Cost

• £2,900

What's included

• Tuition fees for all classes
• Self-catered student accommodation
• All excursions and social events
• All study materials
• A statement of completion, written feedback and an assessment grade
• Closing ceremony with prize giving
• Access to University of Leicester facilities including the award-winning David Wilson Library
• A group transfer from and to Birmingham Airport
• Applicants should be aware that trips and socials will include unsupervised time not accompanied by members of staff

What's not included

• Optional trips to Edinburgh and Wembley Stadium
• International travel
• Meals and beverages, unless specified in the timetable
• Towel, dressing gown, slippers and toiletries
• Visa costs
• Medical and travel insurance
• Access to the university gyms. Short term membership can be purchased at a discounted rate.

How to find out more and apply

Please speak to the International Cooperation Office of your university for further details. For alternative assistance, please email summer@le.ac.uk.